After School
Keeping International Students In-Province
October 20, 2022
International education is changing, and the shifts in international student enrolment could shape immigration and settlement patterns across Canada.
During their studies, students build connections to their peers, post-secondary institution, and community in Canada. These connections could increase the likelihood that international students settle in the community or province where they studied.
We asked, can international students contribute to greater distribution of immigrants across Canada’s regions and communities?
Our research looks at data related to people who got a first study permit of at least six months at a post-secondary institution in Canada. We wanted to know their province of study and their subsequent immigration pathways.
How Has International Student Enrolment Changed?
New student enrolment is on the rise
The number of new international students nearly tripled from 2010 to 2019. Most of the growth occurred between 2015 and 2019.
New International Students by Year of First Study Permit
(number of students, 000s)
Source: Statistics Canada.
More international students attend colleges
Growth has been concentrated in college/certificate programs. Five times more new international students got a study permit for college/certificate programs in 2019 than in 2010. The number of international students in trade programs has shrunk.
Level of Study in Canada by Year of First Study Permit
(number of of international students, 000s)
Source: Statistics Canada.
Ontario sees rapid growth
Ontario had 70,000 more new international students in 2019 than in 2010. Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba also saw above-average increases in international student enrolment.
Province of Study of New International Students by Year of First Study Permit
(number of students, 000s)
Source: Statistics Canada.
Most new students come from India
Between 2010 and 2014, no single country provided more than 25 per cent of new study permit holders. In contrast, in 2019, half of all new study permit holders came from India alone.
Country of Citizenship of New International Students by Year of First Study Permit
(per cent)
Note: Numbers may not add to 100 due to rounding.
Source: Statistics Canada.
One Year Later: Where Are International Students Living?
One year after their first study permit expired, the majority of international students who remained in Canada are in the province where they studied. Retention in the province of study is highest in Quebec, Manitoba, and Alberta. Ontario, Manitoba, and Quebec have the highest percentage of students working in the province of study.
Retention in Province of Study Among International Students Who Remained in Canada
(per cent)
Source: Statistics Canada.
Three Years Later: Where Are Former Students Working?
Former international students who are employed in Canada three years after their study permit expires tend to work in the province where they studied. For every region except the Atlantic provinces, more than half of former international students employed in Canada are working in the province of study. Quebec and Alberta have the highest retention rate. Among those who moved between provinces, Ontario is the most common destination, followed by Alberta.1
1. Some students included in the data are still studying and therefore don’t appear on this table. Therefore, the data in the table over-represents people who enrolled early or who studied for fewer years.
Intra-Canada Mobility Among Former International Students Filing Taxes 3 Years After Expiry of First Study Permit
How can provincial governments boost retention in the province of study?
Strong post-secondary sector
- A robust post-secondary education system that offers programs aligned with local labour market needs will help international students connect their studies to the communities where they live.
- Strong, consistent provincial funding will ensure post-secondary institutions are ready to deliver quality education.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- The PNP is the most common way that former international students become permanent residents.
- An increase in PNP slots for international students can make it easier for them to stay in Canada, which can facilitate retention in the province of study.
Settlement services
- The post-study period can be precarious. International students are navigating the transition to the labour market and the immigration system without access to federally funded settlement services.
- Provinces can boost retention by ensuring that international students get support from their post-secondary institution and from provincially funded settlement services.
- An early investment from provincial governments in the success of international students will help them build a career and community connections, which will ultimately benefit retention.
Strengthening Immigration Pathways for International Students
Most international students seek a subsequent permit in Canada after their first study permit expires. But early evidence suggests that far fewer students ultimately become permanent residents.
Read our data briefing.
From Student to Immigrant? Multi-step Pathways to Permanent Residence
October 20, 2022 • 10-min read